HAVE YOU HEARD?

Until recently, travel to Europe on a U.S. airline with a connecting flight on a European carrier has not resulted in any regular checked luggage or seat charges on the European airline.  But, that is changing.

Instead of charging a separate luggage fee, British Airways is now selling a cheaper hand-luggage-only ticket to encourage weight reduction, lower fuel consumption and faster turnaround times, as well as additional welcome revenue.    They also sell a more expensive ticket that includes baggage fees.

KLM, the Dutch airline, was the first non-discount carrier in Europe to begin charging bag fees in April.  As happened here, the other carriers are certain to follow suit.

Be wary of Lufthansa’s short haul flights that do not go to major hubs, as they may now be operated by its subsidiary , Germanwings.  You would then be charged for food, drinks, checked bags, and seat assignments, unlike the regular Lufthansa flights.

Leave it to Air France to tempt passengers in economy and premium-economy with a substantial upgrade to their palate.  A gourmet meal of duck confit with mushrooms and sautéed potatoes, along with cake for dessert, costs approximately $24.  Most of their menu upgrades are between $16 to  $37.  As the prices for airline meals increase, flyers’ expectations for gourmet quality food will certainly increase also.  Can these expectations be met from an airplane galley?

Another perspective on paid meal upgrades comes from Austrian Airlines, which offers wiener schnitzel and sushi entrees for approximately $20 each.  By encouraging passengers to order upgraded meals online, the growth of another substantial revenue stream is foreseen.   Pre-booking allows the airline to confirm how many people will want certain meals, allowing for better quality and less waste.

A move in a different direction is the decidedly non-gourmet decision by Spirit Airlines to serve wine in aluminum cans on their flights.  The quality of the product appears to be less important than the ease of stacking and storing the cans, plus the lighter weight compared to bottles.  But, are you wasting your money to buy an 8 ounce (approximately) can of wine for $7?  It will be interesting to see if canned wine is still on the menu in six months.

Would you pay $24 for a gourmet dinner on your favorite airline?